Kenneth Doyle

Ken (Kenny) Doyle, age 89, of Waunakee, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the Agrace HospiceCare Center on February 16, 2013. Ken was born on February 24, 1923, the son of Steve and Mary McGuire Doyle of Highland, Wisconsin. Kenny had a most amazing journey...

As a young man, he joined the Air Force as a fighter pilot in World War II. After returning from the war, Ken was a member of the Wisconsin Air National Guard. He dove into entrepreneurship when he and partner Pierce Nolan purchased The Congress Restaurant and Bar in downtown Madison, which became a Madison icon.

His love of entrepreneurship continued throughout his life as he, along with a few partners, founded the Madison Little League. After leaving the restaurant business, he purchased a farm and enjoyed the quiet farm life. But farm life wasn't enough for Ken. He went on to own and operate several dry cleaning businesses. Still wanting new challenges, he pursued real estate by developing a subdivision in East Bristol. He also delved into the vacation business when he purchased and operated a resort in Minocqua.

Even in his mature years, Ken enjoyed turning life into business. Ken was a firm believer that any man will get old when they retire. Keeping true to his belief, he purchased several vans, hired staff, and began a newspaper delivery service for the Wisconsin State Journal. Ken enjoyed being active and worked right up until the last month of his life.

Along with his passion for starting new adventures, his loves were flying, basketball, politics, and his pets. In the early years, Ken owned his own plane and enjoyed flying and giving rides. State basketball tourneys and engaging in politics were some of his favorite pastimes. Along with that, Ken truly treasured his animals and was very close with his dogs. Wherever Kenny went, he was bound to run into someone he knew. His character and his passion for life were admired by many.

Ken is survived by his loving partner of nine years, Ann Zerbel of Waunakee, and six children, Terry (Anne) Doyle, Madison, Tom (Ellen) Doyle, Madison, Jim Doyle, Madison, Sheila (Gary) Zweifel, Monona, Debi (Barry) Doyle, Madison, and Julie (Bruce) Petersen, Waunakee. Ken is also survived by his siblings Eileen Penasa, Pewaukee, Jack Doyle, Camp Douglas, Ruth (David) McNeil, Sun Prairie, Alice (Jim) Franzen, Dodgeville, Judy (Jim) Meyers, Kaukauna, and a sister-in-law Nancy Doyle, Lancaster. Ken is also survived by 14 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents Steve and Mary Doyle, his daughter Sharon Brady, wife Cecilia Doyle, wife Kathryn Doyle, sister and brother-in-law Joyce and Earl Fecht, brother Pat Doyle, brother-in-law Peter Penasa, and sister-in-law Ann Doyle.

Visitation will take place from 9-11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 5763 County Road Q, Waunakee on Wednesday, February 20, 2013 . Funeral services will be held directly after at 11:00 a.m. with a luncheon following. Family burial will be held at 2:30 p.m. at Resurrection Cemetery, 2705 Regent Street, Madison. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare (agracehospicecare.org).

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at St. Mary's Hospital ICU and Agrace HospiceCare for their compassion and care.